Blog

Archive: April 2012

BEAUTIES BATTLE FOR MISS NI CROWN

26 April 2012

On Monday 14 May, the search to find Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland 2012 will reach its peak when twenty six hand-picked finalists will take to the stage at the gala final in the Europa Hotel. Having toured the length and breadth of Northern Ireland for two months and stopping at twelve venues, organisers have ensured that the most eligible ladies have been put forward as final contestants in the prestigious beauty contest.

The twenty six finalists will be launched into the world of glamour when they experience a fun-filled weekend of VIP engagements and photocalls before they face the judging panel at the extravagant gala final, which will be hosted by stunning TV presenter Zoe Salmon - a former Miss Northern Ireland herself – alongside UTV news broadcaster, Marc Mallett.

After enjoying a five course meal, guests will be introduced to each of the contestants before watching a stunning fashion show from fashion sponsors The OUTLET, who also provided swimwear for all the contestants, and the evening will come to close when the judges’ scores are collated and this year’s winner will be announced.

“Open + Direct is proud to be the title sponsor of this year’s Miss Northern Ireland contest, our branches across the province have really enjoyed attending the local heats and supporting their local contestants”, explains Mark Hallam, Head of Marketing. “Everybody at Open + Direct would like to wish all the finalists the very best of luck for the final and for the future”.

Siobhan McKeown, Marketing Manager at The OUTLET also added, “The OUTLET Village Banbridge is delighted to again be the fashion sponsor at this prestigious event and we wish all the competitors the very best for the gala final. Knowing the amazing team behind the scenes, it’s sure to be a glamorous and exciting evening.”

The winner will receive thousands of pounds worth of prizes including an all-expenses paid trip to Miss World in China, a car from Downey’s sponsored by Open+Direct, shoes from Armani Collections at The OUTLET in Banbridge, a wardrobe of outfits for Miss World from Beverly Hills in Belfast and a front cover photoshoot with IN! Magazine. Hair and beauty treats galore from Michele International, Beauty Culture, a membership at The Culloden Spa, and designer glasses from Jonathan Keys will all keep her looking fabulous for her year-long contract with the Alison Campbell Modelling Agency.

Newly-wed Alison Clarke, who has been the organiser of the competition for more than twenty five years, has a clear view of what the judges should be looking for: “So much time has been spent selecting the finalists and already we can see a spark in each of them, but one special girl will catch the critical eye of the judges - someone with boundless stamina and commitment who will be a great ambassador for Northern Ireland. Whoever wins will have high heels to fill following a long line of fantastic former Miss Northern Irelands; our current title holder Finola Guinnane has fulfilled the role with poise and enthusiasm and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for her.”

“As well as various modelling and promotional jobs, Finola has carried out numerous activities with our chosen charity, The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and has helped raise the profile of this much needed charitable campaign throughout Northern Ireland.”

To book tickets for the event, please contact the ticket office on T: 028 9080 9809. The cost is £85.00 per person or tables of ten can be booked at £800. A limited supply of places are available, so early booking is advisable.

For more information on the competition visit the Miss NI website www.missnorthernireland.co.uk. It also outlines full details of the competition heats and the range of prizes available. And ‘like’ us on Facebook - Miss Northern Ireland Contest.

BEAUTIES BATTLE FOR MISS NI CROWN

26 April 2012

On Monday 14 May, the search to find Open + Direct Miss Northern Ireland 2012 will reach its peak when twenty six hand-picked finalists will take to the stage at the gala final in the Europa Hotel. Having toured the length and breadth of Northern Ireland for two months and stopping at twelve venues, organisers have ensured that the most eligible ladies have been put forward as final contestants in the prestigious beauty contest.

The twenty six finalists will be launched into the world of glamour when they experience a fun-filled weekend of VIP engagements and photocalls before they face the judging panel at the extravagant gala final, which will be hosted by stunning TV presenter Zoe Salmon - a former Miss Northern Ireland herself – alongside UTV news broadcaster, Marc Mallett.

After enjoying a five course meal, guests will be introduced to each of the contestants before watching a stunning fashion show from fashion sponsors The OUTLET, who also provided swimwear for all the contestants, and the evening will come to close when the judges’ scores are collated and this year’s winner will be announced.

“Open + Direct is proud to be the title sponsor of this year’s Miss Northern Ireland contest, our branches across the province have really enjoyed attending the local heats and supporting their local contestants”, explains Mark Hallam, Head of Marketing. “Everybody at Open + Direct would like to wish all the finalists the very best of luck for the final and for the future”.

Siobhan McKeown, Marketing Manager at The OUTLET also added, “The OUTLET Village Banbridge is delighted to again be the fashion sponsor at this prestigious event and we wish all the competitors the very best for the gala final. Knowing the amazing team behind the scenes, it’s sure to be a glamorous and exciting evening.”

The winner will receive thousands of pounds worth of prizes including an all-expenses paid trip to Miss World in China, a car from Downey’s sponsored by Open+Direct, shoes from Armani Collections at The OUTLET in Banbridge, a wardrobe of outfits for Miss World from Beverly Hills in Belfast and a front cover photoshoot with IN! Magazine. Hair and beauty treats galore from Michele International, Beauty Culture, a membership at The Culloden Spa, and designer glasses from Jonathan Keys will all keep her looking fabulous for her year-long contract with the Alison Campbell Modelling Agency.

Newly-wed Alison Clarke, who has been the organiser of the competition for more than twenty five years, has a clear view of what the judges should be looking for: “So much time has been spent selecting the finalists and already we can see a spark in each of them, but one special girl will catch the critical eye of the judges - someone with boundless stamina and commitment who will be a great ambassador for Northern Ireland. Whoever wins will have high heels to fill following a long line of fantastic former Miss Northern Irelands; our current title holder Finola Guinnane has fulfilled the role with poise and enthusiasm and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for her.”

“As well as various modelling and promotional jobs, Finola has carried out numerous activities with our chosen charity, The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and has helped raise the profile of this much needed charitable campaign throughout Northern Ireland.”

To book tickets for the event, please contact the ticket office on T: 028 9080 9809. The cost is £85.00 per person or tables of ten can be booked at £800. A limited supply of places are available, so early booking is advisable.

For more information on the competition visit the Miss NI website www.missnorthernireland.co.uk. It also outlines full details of the competition heats and the range of prizes available. And ‘like’ us on Facebook - Miss Northern Ireland Contest.

Become a GIANT Perfomer

17 April 2012

This weekend a GIANT search will begin to find some of the 100 performers who will take part in the largest and most spectacular outdoor arts event ever held in Ireland.

Land of Giants, written and directed by Mark Murphy, is to be staged at the Titanic Slipways on the 30 June and promises to be a once in a lifetime experience for the performers who will take part as well as the audience of 18,000 attending the show.

The list of performers being sought ranges from beginner to professional and everything in between as Mark Murphy explains: “We are looking for people with a range of talent and performance backgrounds.

“This is an opportunity for them to be part of a world class production and work with some of the most accomplished professionals involved in the industry. Land of Giants will set Belfast firmly on the map as a City that knows how to stage an epic event and we want as many people as possible from here to be part of it.

“The workshops are taking place this Saturday - 21st April, between 2pm and 5pm, and on Monday 23 April, between 6pm and 8pm, at the Brian Friel Theatre, 20 University Square, Belfast and we would urge anyone who is interested to register their names.”

In addition to the live performance, the unmissable show will feature state-of-the-art digital animation, dramatic special effects, fireworks, gravity defying aerial performances and a stage almost 200 metres long – even the Titanic Belfast building gets to play a starring role.

For your chance to become a GIANT performer email participation@landofgiants.info to let us know which workshop you will be coming along to - Saturday 21st April, between 2pm and 5pm, or on Monday 23 April, between 6pm and 8pm.

If you would like further information, including job and volunteer specifications, log onto www.landofgiants.info or visit their Facebook page,

facebook.com/landofgiantsni, Twitter account @landofgiantsni.

GIANT TICKET LAUNCH FOR EPIC EVENT

11 April 2012

Tickets have been launched for one of the most exciting and surprising events ever seen in Ireland, Land of Giants, which is to be staged in Belfast at the Titanic Slipways on the 30 June in front of an audience of 18,000.

Land of Giants, written and directed by Mark Murphy, will be a truly epic show on a Titanic scale that is uniquely Northern Irish.

The unmissable show will feature state-of-the-art digital animation, dramatic special effects, fireworks, gravity defying aerial performances and a stage almost 200 metres long – even the Titanic Belfast building gets to play a starring role.

Writer and director Mark Murphy said: “This is a show that is spectacular in every sense of the word. A thrilling celebration of the giants - mythical, industrial, cultural, literary and social - which Northern Ireland has given to the world. But its focus is not just the extraordinary things this place has produced, such as two-thirds of the world’s linen or the most famous ship in the world, but more specifically the men and women who are the foundation for everything built here.

“The show is ambitious and contains a narrative that will capture everyone’s imaginations and hearts as it magically unfolds during the 45 minute performance.”

Land of Giants, which will involve a cast and crew of over 500 people, most of whom are from Northern Ireland, is the largest outdoor event of its kind ever held in Ireland.

As well as drawing inspiration from renowned giants including Gulliver, Finn McCool, Samson and Goliath, Titanic and Giant’s Causeway, the show presents a vision of Northern Ireland and its population as being “giant” in terms of ideas, talent, industry and heritage.

Land of Giants has been funded by Legacy Trust UK, creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

Kathy Hayes, associate producer of Land of Giants said: “The strength of the project has secured a major funding award from Legacy Trust UK, one of only four such grants made for large scale outdoor UK celebrations as part of the Cultural Olympiad. Additional support has been provided by Northern Ireland Tourist Board as a key event within the NI2012 Our Time Our Place programme as well as Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.

“The Northern Ireland consortium, known as the Giant Events Company, charged with delivering the event includes The Beat Initiative, Belfast City Council, Belfast Community Circus, and Young at Art.”

Tickets, which cost £10 for an adult, £6 concession and £28 for a family, are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre with the option of booking online at www.gotobelfast.com, via telephone on + 44 2890246609, or in person at the Welcome Centre in Belfast’s city centre.

GRAZIA Summer Party with French Connection

03 April 2012

Chic fashion store French Connection is teaming up with Grazia to celebrate the coming of Summer by offering 20% discounts and giving away luxurious goody bags with purchases over £100.

The GRAZIA Summer Parties will take place across the UK on Thursday 05 April and our very own stores in Corn Market in Belfast and Ferryquay Street in Derry will be hosting their own party from 5pm – 8pm.

To be a part of the summer fun and to avail of the 20% discount, visit www.frenchconnection.com/grazia